Product Planner at Ackermans

This is not for a particular portfolio, but should a suitable opportunity arise in the future that matches your expertise and aspirations, we would be delighted to engage with you further.

We're seeking Product Planners who are forward thinkers with an analytical mind. 

Our ideal candidate? A self-motivated powerhouse who's passionate about performance and driven by solutions. You'll need to bring your high energy level to keep up with the excitement of our retail environment!

If you're ready to dive into the heart of retail and make a real impact, we want to hear from you. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we shape the future of our business together!  

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering and implementing departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy.
• Managing departmental forecasts to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan.
• Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans that support the signed-off departmental business strategy.
• Ensuring sufficient inflows to maintaining agreed replenishment service levels to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan.
• Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities.
• Executing and managing project plans to achieve the agreed objectives (if applicable).

Qualifications required:

• A Grade 12 certificate is an essential requirement.
• A qualification would be a definite advantage. Preferred qualifications are:
• B. Comm./ B. Science degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats and Business Science OR
• National Diploma majoring in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting OR
• National Diploma in Financial Information Systems

Knowledge of:

• the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores
• seasonal & non-seasonal replenishments
• the SA retail clothing market, customers and competitors

Skills required:

• Sound commercial thinking & numerical skills
• Analytical thinking & logical problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Planning, organising & time management skills.
• Conflict resolution skills

Demonstrate:

• Resilience, agility, and the ability to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure.
• Collaboration skills, fostering a shared vision, and positively influencing decision-making in a team setting.
• Flexibility to function effectively under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in diverse circumstances.
• Self-motivation, a sense of responsibility, and pride in one's work.
• Methodical and detail-oriented approach, ensuring accuracy in tasks.
• Effective communication skills across all levels.
• Strong sense of integrity in professional conduct.
• Deadline-oriented mindset.
• Assertiveness in handling tasks and responsibilities

A minimum of 2-3 years previous experience in product planning within a relevant retail and/or FMCG environment is an ESSENTIAL requirement.

Preferred experience:

• Replenishment and assortment planning experience
• Prior store planning experience
• Previous store management experience (1 – 2 years)
• Previous exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes
• Experience working in planning systems.
• Experience working with the most recent Microsoft software, including Word and Excel, is a prerequisite. Proficiency in advanced Excel usage would be an asset.

If you possess the experience and skills ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role, we encourage you to apply